Are you searching for an exciting opportunity for a PhD study on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived human organoids and viral gene therapy?

This study includes the generation of mutant iPSCs by CRISPR-Cas gene editing and the optimization of differentiation of these into cultured human retinas. Other activities are the development of gene augmentation therapy vectors and CRISPR-Cas gene editing therapy vectors targeting differentiated retinal cells, and test these vectors in vivo in rodent and iPSC-derived models of retinal disease.

The selected PhD student will be registered at the LUMC Graduate School.

Your profile

Our research team is looking for an enthusiast PhD student with strong intellectual and experimental skills in one of the Life Sciences. You have obtained a Master degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical sciences, Neurosciences or equivalent. Some basic knowledge in Retinal Biology, Stem Cell Biology, or rodent animal experimentation is also required. You have a proven track record of lab research training and affinity with rodent experimentation to test new therapeutics for the retina. Both your communication skills and your English language skills (written and oral), are of course excellent.

What we offer

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment should lead to a PhD thesis and is for a maximum duration of four years. Your salary is € 2,279 gross per month in the first year, progressing to € 2,919 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full time position (scale PhD students of the Collective Labor Agreement for University Hospitals).

Working at the LUMC

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. So as to also provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment, we need doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers.

The Department of Ophthalmology of the LUMC provides Top Referent care to patients with eye diseases such as cancer or hereditary eye disease. Besides clinical care we perform ground breaking pre-clinical research towards novel treatments for eye diseases. In addition, we offer excellent research facilities for your training as pre-clinical retinal therapist.

More information

A detailed job description can be found at http://www.lumc.nl / vacancies. You may also contact Jan Wijnholds, associate professor at the department of Ophthalmology, telephone +31 (0)71 526 92 69.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, please complete the application form before 22 October 2017. You may also apply through the website http://www.lumc.nl/vacatures. Please include the e-mail addresses of 2 referees in your motivation letter and a transcript of courses and obtained grades during BSc and MSc.